What does Matthew 22:39 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 22:39, "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," serves as one of the central tenets of Christian ethics.

It is a succinct expression of the principle of altruism in Christian morality.

On a literal level, the verse is Jesus Christ's exhortation to love other people in the same measure as one loves oneself.

The deeper meaning implies an understanding of love as a pivotal and all-encompassing commandment, which underlies all human interactions and ethical responsibilities.

This love is not merely an emotion but an active choice to seek the good and welfare of others, demonstrating respect, kindness, and compassion.

Historical Context

Matthew 22:39 is part of a dialogue between Jesus and a lawyer who questions Him about the greatest commandment in the Law.

Jesus' response encapsulates the essence of the commandments in the Hebrew Scriptures.

This particular instruction is rooted in the Old Testament, specifically Leviticus 19:18.

The verse is set in a context where Jewish religious leaders were trying to test Jesus' interpretation of the Law, which was central to Jewish life and spirituality at the time.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is often discussed as part of the Great Commandments, which includes the first and great commandment, to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-38).

From a Christian perspective, loving one's neighbor is seen as an extension of one's love for God, demonstrating the inseparable relationship between vertical (God-ward) and horizontal (human-ward) relationships in Christian ethics.

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects of this command:

• Traditional Christian theology sees it as a reflection of God's love for humanity, calling on believers to emulate that love.
• Liberation theology may highlight the implications for social justice and care for the marginalized.
• Evangelical theology might stress personal conversion and regeneration as the foundation for genuinely fulfilling this command.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse inspires individuals to treat others with consideration, respect, and selflessness.

It suggests that ethical behavior toward others is not optional but a fundamental aspect of living a Christian life. It encourages people to be empathetic, show mercy, extend help to those in need, and work towards creating a community based on mutual love and respect.

Cross-References

• Leviticus 19:18: "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD."
• Romans 13:9: "For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
• Galatians 5:14: "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text is "ἀγαπήσεις" (agapēseis), which is the future indicative active second-person singular form of "ἀγαπάω" (agapaō), commonly translated as "love." Agape love is understood to be unconditional, sacrificial, and selfless, distinguishing it from other types of love such as friendship (philia) or romantic love (eros).

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar concepts of treating others with kindness and compassion can be found in various cultural and religious contexts:

• In Judaism, the idea of "Love your neighbor as yourself" is central to Jewish ethics, as it is derived from the Torah.
• In Islam, there is a Hadith that states, "None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself."
• The ethic of reciprocity, often known as the Golden Rule, is echoed in many religious and philosophical traditions worldwide, such as Buddhism (through the concept of Metta or loving-kindness), Hinduism (the idea of Ahimsa or non-harm), and Confucianism (the principle of Shu).

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, altruism and cooperative behavior have been subjects of study in evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience. Research in these areas often seeks to understand the motivations and mechanisms that lead human beings to act in the interest of others.

The concept of "loving your neighbour as yourself" might intersect with studies on empathy, mirror neurons, social bonding, and the evolutionary advantages of reciprocal altruism.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of Matthew 22:39.

For instance:

• John Calvin saw the love of neighbor as an outflow of our love for God, emphasizing that one cannot truly love God if they do not love their fellow human beings.
• William Barclay noted that love is not just a feeling of the heart but an action of the will, a decision to consider others' needs as equal to one's own.
• Contemporary commentators might relate the verse to modern issues such as the global refugee crisis, healthcare, or economic inequality, arguing that love for neighbor should influence social policies and actions.